User onboarding is a process that first time users go through before using the app. Typically it includes going through the product page, registration, and initial setup.

Steps in User Onboarding Process

Each step of the onboarding process is crucial and requires design attention.

Product page

Product page is what sets expectations for the users. It is one of the touch points that involves alignment in marketing message and real value the application is set to provide.

Registration

Registration should be painless and straightforward. Sign up should be as simple as possible to reduce the efforts it takes to fill in the sign up form and complete registration. You want to get just enough data from the user to get them in the door. The goal should be to get the user in, and provide value as soon as possible.

Blank Slate

When designers work on the UI they they typically design views full of data, views that clearly show working application, and all the value and features it provides. The problem is typically it is not the view that first time users sees.

What newly onboarded user encounters is very different from the page full of data. What they see is a blank slate — a page showing nothing of immediate value.

Blank slate is an opportunity to win or lose the users. Include messaging to reinforce value proposition of your application, as well as clear calls to action, so the user doesn’t feel lost.

Examples of onboarding

User Onboarding has a great collection of onboarding teardowns of popular products.